01 March 2018

Banana Upside-Down Cake

Banana Upside-Down Cake / www.delightfulrepast.com

Banana Upside-Down Cake came up into my “queue” because I’ve been craving bananas lately. Wonder what that means? Anyway … I’ve made my Small-Batch Banana Muffins a couple of times lately (love them!), so thought I should do something different with the bananas today.

Usually, if I add nuts to an upside-down cake, it’s walnut or pecan halves worked into the pattern of the fruit on the bottom (that will be the top), but I had finely diced walnuts left over from my muffin-making and thought I’d just throw those into the batter.

If you’re allergic to nuts, you can leave them out of the recipe without having to make any adjustments to it. We enjoy the cake with some unsweetened (you might prefer lightly sweetened), softly whipped cream. A 1/8-of-the-cake serving comes in right at my daily sugar allowance!

If you like it, I hope you'll share the link on your social media and with all your friends, relatives, coworkers and assorted pets! And do leave a comment and tell me about your favorite ways with bananas or whatever! 


Banana Upside-Down Cake / www.delightfulrepast.com
Don't forget to Pin and share!

Banana Upside-Down Cake


(Makes one 8-inch round cake, 8 servings)

9 tablespoons (4.5 ounces/128 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
1/2 firmly packed cup (3.5 ounces/99 grams) dark brown sugar
3 medium (about 18 ounces/510 grams, total unpeeled) perfectly ripe bananas
1 dip-and-sweep cup (5 ounces/142 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (3.5 ounces/99 grams) sugar
1/4 cup (1 ounce/28 grams) finely diced walnuts or pecans, optional
2 teaspoons aluminum-free non-GMO baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1/2 cup (4 fluid ounces/118 ml) milk, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg, room temperature

1 Preheat oven to 350F/180C/Gas4. Grease a 2-inch deep* 8-inch round Pyrex baking dish or cake tin with unsalted butter or cooking spray. Line the base with a round of baking parchment. In small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter, mix the brown sugar into it, then spread the mixture evenly over the baking parchment. Place banana halves, cut side down, in a pleasing pattern over the sugar. Set aside.

* It is important that the pan be 2 inches deep. If it is shallower, the batter might run over. 

2 In 1-cup glass measure, stir cider vinegar into milk; let stand a few minutes while you proceed with recipe. In mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and mix on low speed for one minute to blend. Add the 5 tablespoons softened butter, milk, and vanilla. Mix on low speed for 1 1/2 minutes, then add the egg and mix 1 1/2 minutes longer.

Note: Or do it by hand, as I usually do. Just whisk together the dry ingredients; use your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients; add the milk, egg and vanilla; beat by hand for a minute or two. Couldn't be easier!

3 Spread the batter evenly over the bananas. Run a knife through just the batter, not disturbing the bananas, a couple of times to break up any large air bubbles. Bake for 35 minutes. Do not underbake. You're going to be turning it out onto a plate while it is hot, so a nice crusty top (that will be the bottom) is not a bad thing!  

4 Remove from oven, loosen edges with knife, and invert immediately onto a plate. Let it cool completely before serving with whipped cream (unsweetened or lightly sweetened, with a dash of vanilla extract).

Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon .com and affiliated sites.

Jean

83 comments:

Louca por porcelana said...

Hummmm!It looks wonderful!Just mouthwatering!I love bananas in anyway!Here people love barbecue,so they bake bananas with peel in the fire and serve them with vanilla ice cream and cinnamon,very good too(without peel of course!).Hugs,Jean!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Maristella! And I love the idea of throwing bananas on the fire at a barbecue! Must remember that for summer.

Angie's Recipes said...

The caramelized banana topping or bottom looks just beyond delicious!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Angie! It really is, if I do say so myself!

ellen b said...

It really looks delicious. I don't think I've seen a Banana Upside down cake before. Reminds me of the time my cousin and I tried to make a pineapple upside down cake and we forgot to put the pineapple in the bottom of the pan. Oops!

Thomas "Sully" Sullivan said...

The great thing about banana upside down cake is the nuts are on the bottom (top, and also only if you don’t throw them into the batter) where you can pick them off. My sister and I had a pact that she would eat the cake and I would eat the pecans or walnuts. Scientists call this symbiosis. We just called it “yummy.” Wonder which way they orient upside down cakes down-under in Australia? Askin’for a friend.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Ellen, don'tcha hate it when that happens?! I can't count the number of times I've left out the nuts or raisins in a cake and either had to stir them in right in the pan or just leave them out!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Sully, I like symbiosis - and I'd definitely put the nuts on the bottom/top to make it easier for you! And you mention Australia - the main reason I want to go there is to see the water go down the drain the other way!

Marilyn Miller said...

Never thought of using bananas for an upside down cake. Sounds good.

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

It looks great! xoxo Su

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Marilyn. Yes, it's good, though my all-time fave is probably fig (I've posted that before).

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Su! A bit of cake and a cup of tea is always a good thing!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Your banana upside down cake looks so scrumptious, Jean, and would be delightful with a cup of tea!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Kitty! I think Cissy could have fun making it.

Christie Hawkes said...

It looks beautiful and delicious. Thanks for linking to #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I will share on social media.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Christie, thank you! Much appreciated!

Bernideen said...

What a lovely cake Jean and one that is new to me! Looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing your recipe!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Bernideen. I love it with English breakfast tea!

Kate said...

I would never think of using bananas like this but it looks delicious!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Kate, thanks. I hope you'll give it a try - caramelized bananas have to be good, right?!

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

How unique your banana upside down cake is, Jean! It's beautiful and I'm sure delicious. ♥

Phil in the Kitchen said...

I haven't had an upside-down cake in a long time and a banana cake sounds really good to me right now. Banana desserts of various kinds that contain a little dark rum will always get my undivided attention. I love that combination of flavours.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Martha, thank you. I do love any upside-down cake!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Phil, funny you should mention that. I do like to put a splash of dark rum in with the butter and sugar underneath the banana layer. A classic combination!

Barbara Windle said...

Oh boy! I love upside down cake. I usually make it with rhubarb. I have never had a banana upside down cake. It looks delicious and a must try. I am pinning.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks so much, Barbara. Rhubarb is wonderful, too! Can't wait to get my hands on some!

Nancy said...

It brings Bananas Foster to mind. Especially with the addition of a bit of rum.

Margie said...

I'm going bananas over this version of the upside down cake!

Gerlinde de Broekert said...

I have never seen an upside down banana cake, I think it’s a great idea and it looks delicious. Pinned!

Lorrie said...

This does look delicious! Using bananas in upside down cake is new to me, but I can imagine the sweet caramel flavour. I like bananas lightly sauteed in a bit of butter and brown sugar, with some orange juice added, and orange sections. It's great on its own, or over cake or ice cream. I haven't made it for a long time, but this recipe reminded me of it.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Wow! Banana upside cake is new to me too. I've made apple and pineapple {with a cherry in the centre of each pineapple} upside down cake. I've also made rhubarb but never thought of bananas. This one I will have to give a try as well when I'm up to baking again. Love bananas!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

It does, Nancy! A classic combination!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Margie! You are so good at those word plays!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Gerlinde, thank you. AND for the Pin!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Lorrie. And that sounds really good, too! We love oranges.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Sandi, I'm so glad you're putting it on your to-bake list! And I hope you'll be up to baking again soon!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

I'm always looking for ways to use up my banana stash, Jean, and this just looks so delicious! Bananas are so good for us - lots of potassium! Thank you for another wonderful recipe! x K

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Karen! Maybe I'm low on potassium, and that's why I've been craving bananas!

Veronica Lee said...

I love banana cake and this looks divine. Yummm!

Marisa Franca @ Allourway said...

Oh, YUM!! We always buy bananas and eat one a day but I like your version of getting my banana and potassium in. I wonder, do you think you could add pineapple to that? For some reason, banana and pineapple are calling to me. Hope you have a great weekend -- thank you for reminding me to go eat my banana.

Richard Sheppard said...

Looks super delicious Jean! I think I'd like a slice with a scoop of cardamon ice cream.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Veronica, thank you!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Ooh, yes, Marisa, feel free to add in some pineapple with the banana - a lovely combination!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Funny you should mention that, Richard. I very nearly put some cardamom in the recipe!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

O MY!! Now doesn't that look absolutely delightful!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Debbie! It is quite a treat, if a little sweet for my taste!

Mrs Shoes said...

Banana Bread is a staple around here, but this recipe looks so tempting that I'm going to make it over the weekend. Mr Shoes will thank you, no doubt.

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

It looks so nice and moist jean. I think I got my sugar quota just looking at the picture of it.

Cocoa and Lavender said...

Beautiful. Jean. I once made one but yours is so much more elegant and has a better design!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Mrs Shoes, thank you. I do hope Mr Shoes likes it!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Sugar. Yes, that caramelized upside-down topping is what takes the amount of sugar right up to the max!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Oh, David, thank you. That's quite a compliment coming from the maker of such beautiful food!

Sippity Sup said...

Gorgeous cake! As to its meaning, as Freud might say, "sometimes a banana is just a banana (upside-down cake). GREG

Sue/the view from great island said...

This is just wonderful, it looks like it would be heaven with a big pot of fresh coffee!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

:D Thanks, Greg. I love banana cakes, whether upside-down or right-side-up!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Sue, thanks so much. And I love the sound of a big pot of fresh coffee!

Mrs.AOK said...

Oh, m'goodness!! This sounds delightful!!
I love pineapple upside down cake and I love bananas, so I know I would love this.
Pinned this to our MMBH board, thanks for sharing!
-Dean
www.mrsaokaworkinprogress.com

Jaki said...

Your recipes always make me hungry and I'm not even a huge fan of bananas!! Thanks for sharing with #TriumphantTales, please do come back on Tuesday to celebrate our 1st Birthday, we have a surprise in store!

Miz Helen said...

It looks so good, I can almost taste it and can't wait to make this recipe! Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday. Have a great week and come back soon!
Miz Helen

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Mrs AOK, thank you so much! AND thank you for sharing the post with others!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Jaki! AND for hosting #TriumphantTales.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Miz Helen, thanks! I love Full Plate Thursday. So many good things to make!

Antiques And Teacups said...

Hi Jean. I have made lots of different upside cakes as I love them...but never thought of banana! Putting a link to your crumpet recipe in my blog post for tomorrow..... Thanks so much for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea.
Ruth

Treat and Trick said...

I have made this cake but slightly differs from yours. I don't mind to have a big slice of your lovely cake..

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Ruth, thank you! Much appreciated. Love Tuesday Cuppa Tea.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, TandT! I have slices frozen and will get one out tomorrow. I have no idea how well it will freeze, but I'll find out soon enough.

April J Harris said...

What a beautiful cake, Jean! I love the way you have used the bananas for decoration. It sounds delicious too! Thank you so much for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link party! Have a lovely week!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

April, thank you so much! I thought it might be a little cuter than round slices!

GiGi Eats said...

OMG THIS PIE is gorgeous!!! And um, you inspired me to make my husband's favorite banana pie for his birthday... ON CAMERA - ;)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Gigi, some days I call everything "pie" too! I'm not ready to cook on camera, but then I'm a little (like a gazillion times) more introverted than you! :D

Pam Richardson said...

Jean, I love bananas and the upside down cake looks delicious! Thanks so much for sharing!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Pam, thank you! I'm so glad you think so!

handmade by amalia said...

This looks like comfort food at its best. Yum.
Amalia
xo

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Amalia. That's what I'm all about!

TONY said...

It looks absolutely delicious, Jean. I am continuing walking the ,"London Capital Circuit," with three friends next week. It is my turn to bring the cake. I thought I would bake a banana loaf cake. It will not be as nice as your Banana Upside Down Cake, though Jean. Actually, we need to employ you as our official cake maker for walking ,"The London Capital Circuit." Do you fancy coming over and baking for us? We would be very appreciative. Tony

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Yes, Tony, I'd love to be the official Circuit Cake Maker *and* to walk the Circuit with your group!

TONY said...

Here is a map link on the TFL (Transport for London) website, Jean. We are walking from Hendon to Highgate. Its about six miles. Your Upside Down Banana Cake will go down a treat!! Highgate is famous for its cemetery. Many famous people are buried there including the tomb of Karl Marx, Christina Rosetti and Georg Elliot. Hampstead and Highgate are posh!!! One day, it could be a place for yourself and Mr Delightful could visit. Famous people, artists, playwrights and authors live there now. It s got lots of Georgian buildings and quaint tea shops.
http://content.tfl.gov.uk/capital-ring-section-11.pdf

Karen said...

Hi Jean,
Your recipes are all so delicious! Your family must have to watch their weight. I enjoy baking but hubby has diabetes and so I'm not making as many sweets but I do love most cakes, loaves and cookies. Thank you for sharing such amazing recipes! Blessings, Karen

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Karen, thank you so much! We eat pretty much whatever we like, but that might be because we eat just small servings of desserts. And I freeze half of every dessert I make, so we're not "forced" to eat too much just so it won't go to waste/waist! :D

Kitchen Riffs said...

Upside down cakes look so great, don't they? Don't know that I've ever had a banana one -- certainly haven't made one. But that has to change! This looks wonderful -- sounds SO tasty. Thanks!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Oh do make one, John, and remember that with all things banana a little dark rum won't go amiss!

Zaa said...

I love upside down cakes.. They always remind me of years with my mother-in-law at the beach ..She was forever baking these yummy cakes for the grandchildren..Fond memories so THANKS for the memories and the inspiration to bake a new one that I haven’t had before...and I do love bananas..Hugs

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Zaa, I love making things that have wonderful memories associated with them. Thank you for sharing yours! Hugs